Calvin Johnson

Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson is active and will play Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns, even though he is dealing with a swollen knee that sidelined him last week. Johnson was limited in practice during the week and was listed on the team's injury report as questionable. Johnson has 21 catches for 312 yards with four touchdowns this season.

The Sports Xchange By Frank Cooney, The Sports Xchange NFL Analysis: Megatron dominates stats-bloated WRs As NFL offenses take advantage of favorable rules, wide receivers are bloating their statistics with unprecedented prolific displays across the league, so mere numbers may be a bit deceiving when naming the top pass-catchers in the league. Two dozen receivers gained more than 1,000 yards last season, but that counts New Orleans tight end Jimmy Graham,...

The Sports Xchange Lions confident Calvin Johnson is title centerpiece Outside voices can say whatever they want about the Lions' need for a running game to complement quarterback Matthew Stafford. Those in charge of running this organization aren't sweating it. The Lions make no apologies for how they are built. They are built to pass the football. You don't use the first overall pick on a franchise quarterback as gifted as Stafford to have him hand the ball off...

The Sports Xchange NFL Team Report - Cleveland Browns - INSIDE SLANT BEREA, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns are continuing to stick by troubled wide receiver Josh Gordon, even after news of a traffic stop came to light over the weekend. Gordon was arrested on I-71 south of Cleveland on May 25 for driving 74 mph in a 60 mph zone. One of his passengers was arrested for marijuana possession; less than 200 grams. Gordon is reportedly facing an indefinite suspension for testing positive...

Calvin Johnson, 30, of 4450 Windsor Ct., Richton Park, was charged with battery and theft Tuesday. Johnson allegedly punched a security guard at Best Buy, 4107 Lincoln Mall Drive, who tried to stop Johnson after he allegedly took a Casio organizer and four packs of batteries valued at $82 from the store. Johnson was released on bond.

Here's a look at the first-round NFL draft picks in the NFC North. Vikings No. 9 Anthony Barr OLB UCLA The Vikings traded down one spot with the Browns to select the Barr, who had 231/2 sacks over the previous two seasons. The Vikings have a pressing need for a pass rusher, especially after Jared Allen exited via free agency. One question about Barr is whether or not he can make the transition to playing with his hand down in a 4-3 scheme. The Vikings have paid two...

High expectations. Minimal results. The 2013 campaign wasn't exactly a banner year for the NFC North, whose champion Packers sneaked into the playoffs with a 8-7-1 record. So much for the notion that the North, with elite offensive playmakers in all four cities (See: Aaron Rodgers, Calvin Johnson, Adrian Peterson and Brandon Marshall), was on the verge of establishing itself as the NFL's most exciting and competitive division. It's back to overhaul mode for all four in this week's NFL draft with...

Police on Tuesday charged Calvin Johnson, 27, of the 700 block of Nicholson Avenue, with retail theft after he was accused of taking shoes from Shoe Carnival, 2706 Plainfield Rd. He was released on his recognizance and given a July 3 court date.

The Sports Xchange Lions: Free agency snapshot Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh has two years remaining on his five-year, $64 million rookie contract as the No. 2 overall pick in 2010. The Detroit Lions have every reason to push for a long-term deal. Suh is regarded as one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL and he's also the most expensive in 2014. Suh's $22.4 salary cap figure is the highest in the league for 2014 based on current contracts. It jumps even higher -- to $25.7 million...

ESPN.com reports: Doctors are recommending that Lions receiver Calvin Johnson undergo arthroscopic surgery on his sprained knee during the offseason to alleviate swelling and clean out loose bodies. Johnson won't play Sunday in the Lions' season finale at Minnesota. Get the full story: ESPN.com

The Choice (and remember, death is not an option): The Bears' retaining defensive coordinator Mel Tucker or the Lions' embarrassment trying to hire a head coach? The chokefest that marked the way these NFC North rivals closed the regular season roared right into the offseason. After weeks of breaking down the broken-down defense, the Bears announced that they wanted Tucker to continue to run their defense, and I'm wondering, are they trying to get into the NBA lottery, too?

A South Side man was ordered held on $100,000 bond Monday for allegedly beating his stepfather to death during a quarrel, prosecutors said. Calvin Johnson, 39, of 829 W. 54th Pl., appeared before Cook County Circuit Judge Robert Bastone, who set Johnson's bond in the beating death Saturday of James Woods, 63, of the Far South Side. Johnson is charged with first-degree murder.

ESPN.com reports: Doctors are recommending that Lions receiver Calvin Johnson undergo arthroscopic surgery on his sprained knee during the offseason to alleviate swelling and clean out loose bodies. Johnson won't play Sunday in the Lions' season finale at Minnesota. Get the full story: ESPN.com

Some might argue -- especially Lions fans -- that this should have come years ago. Among the evidence for the prosecution: Joey Harrington (right), 3rd pick in 2002. A bust. Released by Saints on Wednesday after five days. 4 wide receivers drafted in the top 10 in last 5 years: Charles Rogers (2003), Roy Williams (2004), Mike Williams (2005), Calvin Johnson (2007). Only Johnson and Roy Williams remain. Kevin Jones. First-rounder in 2004. Missed 11 games in four...

DETROIT - Reggie Bush and his Lions teammates once had the Bears in their rear-view mirror. After Monday night's 18-16 loss to the Ravens, the Lions are in chase mode as the Bears took over sole possession of the NFC North lead and the Packers moved into second place. The Bears were looking for a helping hand from the Ravens at Ford Field. Instead they got the big foot of Ravens kicker Justin Tucker, who booted six field goals, including a 61-yarder with 38 seconds left to win...

Brad Biggs 4-0 The Lions came close twice last season vs. the Bears despite having Matthew Stafford for half of only one of the games. The difference with him is noted in a 4-0 start. Lions 27, Bears 17. Matt Bowen 3-1 The Lions will slow down Matt Forte with their defensive front and ice the game in the second half by feeding the ball to Calvin Johnson. Detroit moves to 5-0. Lions 27, Bears 17. David Haugh 3-1 The Bears have no business...

The Sports Xchange Lions WR Johnson active vs. Jaguars Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson is active for Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to the Detroit Free Press. Johnson did not practice during the week because of a knee injury and was listed as questionable. The wide receiver has been bothered with the knee for about three weeks, but this was the first week he missed practice. Johnson has 41 catches for 638 yards but just one touchdown...